DONETSK, May 27. /ITAR-TASS/. Coalminers in the Donbass coalfields have gone on an open-ended strike to demand that Ukrainian troops and other forces leave the Donetsk Region, Konstantin Kuzmin, First Deputy Coal Minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, told ITAR-TASS.

“Donbass coalminers are starting an open-ended strike to demand an end to the military crackdown and the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the region,” he said.

Six coalminers have joined the industrial action so far. "We expect that many more will follow suit,” he said.

In the meantime, fighter planes keep flying over Donetsk. The situation in the center of the city is relatively calm, but many businesses, including shops, banks and cafes, are closed. Public transport operates depending on the situation.

The press-service of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic said the authorities in Kiev resumed the military operation on Tuesday afternoon. According to some sources, local residents have been warned that they have three hours to leave the city. The authorities of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic expect that the city of Donetsk will be stormed soon.